On May 18, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs announced on its website that it had approved a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request from the South Korean government for 24 MH-60R multi-role helicopters and related weapons and equipment. The estimated cost of this sale is $3 billion.
The sale includes 24 MH-60R helicopters, 24 airborne low-frequency sonars, eight M240D 7.62mm machine guns, AN/ALQ-210 electronic support measures, APS-153(V) multi-mode radars, night vision devices, missile warning systems, electronic countermeasures, spare and repair parts, and technical and logistical support.
The State Department stated that this sale will enhance the South Korean Navy's multi-role helicopter capabilities and provide a reliable force to deter hostile actors, thereby improving South Korea's ability to respond to current and future threats.
Additionally, the State Department approved an FMS for an $1.2 billion AH-64E Apache upgrade program. South Korea requested eight AN/APG-78 fire control radar mast assemblies, eight Longbow fire control radar electronic units, and 40 AN/ARC-231A ultra-high frequency radios.
The Apache upgrade program includes small tactical terminals with Link 16 capability, a common missile warning system, manned-unmanned integrated systems, enhanced image intensifier cameras, communication and navigation equipment, software support, and training equipment.
The State Department emphasized that this sale will strengthen the South Korean Army's attack helicopter capabilities and provide a reliable force to deter hostile actors, enhancing South Korea's ability to respond to current and future threats.
It also highlighted that improving the security of key allies, which are important forces for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region, supports U.S. diplomatic and national security goals.
The department added that this equipment and support sale proposal will not alter the fundamental military balance in the region and will not negatively impact U.S. defense readiness.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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